Additional area code 343 soon to be assigned to new telephone numbers in
eastern Ontario

OTTAWA, May 17 /CNW Telbec/ - Starting today, the new 343 area code is officially available for new telephone numbers in eastern Ontario. Increasing demand for telephone numbers, particularly for wireless devices, has created a need for additional numbers to serve customers in the 613 region.

The 343 area code will coexist with the 613 code and will come into effect as new telephone numbers are introduced. It is important to note that 613 numbers will continue to be assigned for the next few months until the area code has officially reached capacity.

The new 343 code will provide additional telephone numbers in the 613 area with no impact on existing telephone numbers and customers.

"It is important to remind everyone in eastern Ontario that the new 343 area code is operational as of today and that the first blocks of telephone numbers will be allocated to the telecommunications service providers over the coming months for assignment to their customers," said Glenn Pilley, Director of the Canadian Numbering Administration.

The introduction of a new area code in a region does not affect the local calling areas or the way long distance calls are dialled. Special numbers like 9-1-1 will still be dialled using only three digits. Local calls, including local calls from a 613 number to a 343 number, will be made via 10-digit dialling.

The 613 area code covers a broad territory in eastern Ontario, including Ottawa, Kingston, Belleville, Brockville, Pembroke, Cornwall and Bancroft.

Other new area codes in Canada

The introduction of new area codes is an increasingly common occurrence throughout North America. As such, it is not surprising that this is taking place in several regions in Canada.

The new 579 area code will be added to the geographic territory now served by the 450 code surrounding Montreal starting August 2010. The new 249 area code will be introduced in the 705 region of Ontario starting March 2011. In 2013, the new 873 code will be introduced in the 819 region of Québec and a third area code - 365 - will be introduced in the region served by the 289 and 905 area codes in Ontario.

The Telecommunications Alliance

The Telecommunications Alliance was formed to create awareness about the introduction of new area codes. The Alliance includes Bell, Vidéotron, Rogers, TELUS and all telecommunications service providers operating in the areas with new area codes. For more information about new area codes, please consult the website at: www.region613.com

For further information: Kristin Gable, Optimum Public Relations, [phone]; Source: Telecommunications Alliance